There are a lot of dog owners, and there are many novices and veterans who raise dogs. For novices, choosing dog food has become a very annoying problem, because there are many brands of dog food, and the ingredients and prices. It’s not the same, I don’t know how to choose dry dog food.
How to choose dog food? This article will introduce you to recommend ten different brands of dry dog food and will introduce you to the brand background, nutritional ingredients and ingredient list, approximate price, the evaluation of the product on Amazon and Chewy, and at the end of the article, I will introduce you to five precautions when choosing dry dog food.
1.Orijen / craving dog food
Orijen dog food focuses on the production of high-quality natural food without grains and has been certified by the Canadian government to comply with international pet food regulations and standards. It has been nominated by WDJ and GRI many times and has a certain reputation in the world.
The main production plant for dog food is located in Canada. Every processing process can be viewed on the official website. Visual production is achieved so that more owners can rest assured. The ingredients used in the processing are also fresh and safe, and cartilage is added. , Offal, fruits, and vegetables, and other ingredients, so that the dog food produced is closer to the eating habits of dogs in the wild.
Feature
- 6 kinds of fresh, whole, wild fish, rich in fish protein and fatty acids
- 85% high-quality animal raw materials, providing essential natural protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Adding coarsely ground and freeze-dried, the taste and flavor are better, dogs prefer to eat
Advantage
The palatability is very good, many buyers said that their dogs like to eat this dog food.
Disadvantage
This dog food has high energy and is more suitable for dogs with a certain amount of exercise. It is not suitable for indoor dogs that do not exercise completely indoors. However, it can be used as a snack or as a reward.
The main nutritional parameters of the Six Fish formula are as follows:
- Crude protein: 38%
- Crude fat: 18%
- Crude fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 10%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: monkfish, mackerel, cod, flounder, drum eye, redfish, herring oil, chickpeas, pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, beets, spinach, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 3900 kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $95/lb
- Brand birthplace: Canada
- Amazon praise rate: 4.4 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 88%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.6 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 92%
2.Fromm/Formo dog food
Fromm is a family business that has been developing pet foods since 1904. At the same time, Formosa dog food is also the first batch of imported natural foods to enter the Chinese market and has a good reputation in China. Decades of pet food research and development experience have continuously improved the quality of Fromm dog food, and it has also been recommended by WDJ.
Among the many dog food products from Fromm, the “no beef and vegetable formula” is more recommended. This dog food has the highest protein content in the “Four-star” series of Formos, at least 30%, and is rich in fruits and vegetables. A good dog can make the nutrition of the dog more balanced and healthier. For the less active dog, you need to be careful not to put too much dog food when feeding to prevent getting fat.
Feature
- Does not contain any grains and has a higher protein content to meet daily energy needs
- Add probiotics from fruits and vegetables to protect your dog’s intestinal health
- 0.6cm coarsely ground small particles, small dogs can also eat
Advantage
Sufficient nutrition can meet the energy requirements for the growth of large dogs weighing no more than 70 pounds in adulthood.
Disadvantage
Plant-based protein is high, but beef is the first place on the ingredient list.
The main nutritional parameter data of Fromm’s beef and vegetable formula dog food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 30%
- Crude fat: 18%
- Crude fiber: 6.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients list main ingredients: beef, beef soup, fried eggs, lentils, peas, pork and bone meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, dried tomatoes, pork fat, pork liver, beef liver, chickpeas, salmon oil, pea protein, peameal, Cheese, flax seeds, carrots, apples, broccoli, celery, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 3765kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $70/lb
- Brand birthplace: the United States
- Amazon favorable rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) favorable rate 94%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.8 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 96%
3.Canidae Kabi dog food
The Canidae Kabi dog food in the United States has a history of more than 20 years. Most of the products are made by the American Diamond Pet Food Company (Diamond Factory is one of the world’s largest pet food manufacturers). The raw materials used are all from the United States. Or Europe.
Among Canidae’s dry food products, “Mutton and Red Rice Natural Dog Food” is more recommended, because this dog food is not only very cost-effective and very balanced in nutrition, but also suitable for all dog breeds and dog foods of all ages. For the owners of many dogs, it is very friendly.
Feature
- There are packages of 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and 30 lbs, which can be purchased according to your situation
- No need to consider age and breed, it is more convenient to raise
- Add antioxidants and probiotics to boost the immune system and digestive system
- No added wheat, corn, soybeans
Advantage
The cost performance is very high, and the nutrition is balanced, which can meet the daily and growth needs.
Disadvantage
The protein and fat content can only meet the basic daily energy consumption of the dog. If your dog is very active, then I do not recommend you to buy it.
The main nutritional parameters of Canidae Lamb and Red Rice Natural Dog Food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 21%
- Crude fat: 12.5%
- Crude fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 10%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: natural lamb, red rice, sage, sunflower oil, peas, cranberries, papaya, pineapple, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: about 3000kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $35/lb
- Brand birthplace: the United States
- Amazon favorable rate: 4.4 stars (out of 5 stars) favorable rate 90%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 94%
4.Addiction dog food
Addiction (also known as ADD) is a New Zealand brand founded in 2001. New Zealand’s livestock industry is developed. The meat of free-range livestock is firm and healthy. Using this meat as a raw material for dog food is a good source of animal protein.
The dog food of this brand personally recommends “Addiction Non-Center Venison Dog Food”. This dog food uses only venison as the main source of animal protein, no grains, artificial additives, and adds fruits and vegetables such as apples and spinach to ensure daily life. Balance of energy requirements and nutrition.
Feature
- The raw materials are high-quality free-range livestock meat, which has better flavor and healthier
- Grain-free and competitive, it is a good choice as a snack or staple food
- No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives
Advantage
For dogs with more allergens, trying venison-based dog food is a good choice.
Disadvantage
At present, Amazon cannot search for the product. If you want to buy it on the e-commerce platform, you can only use Chewy.
The main nutritional parameter data of Addiction non-cutter deer dog food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 26%
- Crude fat: 14%
- Crude fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 10%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: venison powder, potato, cassava, chicken fat, peas, flaxseed, kelp powder, dried cranberries, dried apples, dried spinach, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: about 3300kcal/kg
- Price: about HK 70$/lb
- Brand birthplace: New Zealand
- Chewy praise rate: 4.5 stars (out of 5 stars) 96% praise rate
5.Hill’s/Hills dog food
Hill’s is an American brand established in 1943. It is the world’s first pet kidney disease prescription food brand. It also launched adult dog natural food early, and it is also a well-known brand by many people.
Among them, the “ideal balance” series is a very popular natural food series. In this series, it is recommended to buy “Hill’s Natural Brown Rice and Lamb Powder Formula Complete Dog Food”. The ingredients of this dog food are high-quality ingredients from New Zealand and Europe. The formula developed is more balanced in nutrition and suitable for dogs of different stages and different body types.
Feature
- Suitable for all dog breeds and all ages
- Dog food developed by professional pet doctors
- Exceed AAFCO nutrition standard, nutrition is more comprehensive
Advantage
High-energy and nutrient-rich dog food can meet the daily energy needs of dog breeds that exercise very heavily.
Disadvantage
Raw materials such as grains are used more, but they will not have much impact, because carbohydrates are also the energy required by dogs.
The main nutritional data of Hill’s Natural Brown Rice and Lamb Powder Formula Dog Food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 21.9%
- Crude fat: 15.3%
- Crude fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 10%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain sorghum, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, cracked barley rice, chicken liver flavor, beet milk, soybean oil, flaxseed, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: about 3724kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $60/lb
- Brand birthplace: the United States
- Amazon favorable rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) favorable rate 94%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.6 stars (out of 5 stars) 95% praise rate
6.Ziwi Peak dog food
Pinnacle Dog Food is believed to be understood by many people. Ziwi Peak was founded by a family business in New Zealand with a small product line. It mainly produces dry pet food and canned food. In addition, it also produces reward snacks and teething snacks. The pure manual air-drying technology can retain nutrients to the maximum and increase the storage time.
All Ziwi Peak products are made from New Zealand ingredients and do not add artificial additives such as grains and preservatives. The protein content is also relatively high. Here we recommend the “air-dried lamb dog food formula”. This dog food has less animal protein raw materials, and Adding sheep viscera and bones is more in line with the eating habits of dogs in the natural environment.
Feature
- Using New Zealand high-quality, fresh raw materials, better palatability
- No grains, preservatives, artificial additives, etc. are added
- The formula is more in line with the eating habits in the natural environment
Advantage
The animal protein is very rich, and the palatability is better. Dogs like to eat it very much. It can add a lot of energy to the dog. It is suitable for the staple food of the hunting dog with a lot of exercises. The indoor dog with less exercise is recommended as a snack.
Disadvantage
High-quality raw materials and processes lead to high prices and high-fat content. Feeding needs to consider the physical condition of the pet.
The main nutritional parameters of Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 35%
- Crude fat: 33%
- Crude fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 14%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: lamb, lamb organs (lamb heart, lamb belly, lamb liver, lamb lung, lamb kidney), lamb bones, New Zealand mussels, lecithin, inulin, dried kelp, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 5600kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $330/lb
- Brand birthplace: New Zealand
- Amazon praise rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) 95% praise rate
- Chewy praise rate: 4.6 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 96%
7.Royal Canin dog food
Royal Canin/Royal was established in 1967. It mainly produces cat food and dog food, including prescription food, natural food, snacks, and other products. The establishment of a factory in Shanghai in 2009 further ensures that Royal Canin will not have storage problems.
There are many products of the Royal French. If you have a single breed of dog, and it is sold on the website, it is recommended to buy the corresponding breed of dog food. I recommend the “Royal Canin General Adult Dog Food for All Dogs”. The Royal Canin General Food for All Dogs uses an exclusive formula with low calories and high satiety, which is very helpful for the weight control of dogs.
Feature
- Low-calorie and high satiety formula can help dogs reach their ideal weight
- Several key nutrients can enhance hair smoothness and shine
Advantage
It is cost-effective and does not need to consider the breed of the dog. The dog can be fed as an adult. It is suitable for multi-house dog families.
Disadvantage
Corn and barley are at the top of the list of materials, which proves that the ratio of these two materials is higher than that of animal protein materials.
Official website product link: https://www.royalcanin.com/hk/en_hk/dogs/products/vet-products/neutered-adult-medium-dog
The main nutritional parameters of Royal Canin general adult dog food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 22%
- Crude fat: 12%
- Crude fiber: 5.6%
- Moisture: 11%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: corn, barley, dehydrated pork protein, dehydrated poultry protein, wheat flour, plant fiber, hydrolyzed animal protein, animal fat, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: about 2700kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $35/lb
- Brand birthplace: France
- Amazon praise rate: 4.8 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 97%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 96%
8.Oven-Baked dog food
Oven-Baked (also known as Oven Baked, Oven Baked) is a famous Canadian dry food brand. It mainly produces dry cat food and enough dry food. It uses the meat of human consumption level. It adopts a low-temperature baking method to ensure the safety of dog food. And the palatability is better, which is convenient for digestion and absorption.
“Oven Baked General Adult Dog Food Chicken Formula for All Dogs” is recommended here. The nutrition of this dog food is balanced, and Oyunbao’s special production process also generates less waste during the production of dog food and adds natural flavors. Dogs prefer to eat. Adding an appropriate amount of inulin (a prebiotic) can better protect the intestinal function.
Feature
- Special low temperature and slow roasting technology can retain most of the nutrients
- Does not contain any artificial flavors or additives such as preservatives
- 1cm granules have higher palatability, suitable for most dogs
Aadvantage
Every dog food cannot avoid producing indigestible waste when it is produced at high temperatures, while Oven-Baked uses a low-temperature baking method, which produces relatively little waste.
Disadvantage
Some trace elements are lacking, but trace elements can be supplemented by feeding snacks.
Oven Baked’s general adult dog food chicken formula for all dog breeds, the main nutritional parameters are as follows:
- Crude protein: 22%
- Crude fat: 16%
- Crude fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Fresh chicken (19%), whole barley flour, oatmeal flour, chicken powder (9.1%), brown rice, fish meal (herring meal), barley, rapeseed oil (preserved with vitamin E and citric acid), whole Rye flour, flax seeds, dried eggs, salmon oil, hydrolyzed chicken liver, chicory root powder (prebiotics), etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 3675 kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $40/lb
- Brand birthplace: Canada
- Amazon praise rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) 95% praise rate
- Chewy praise rate: 4.7 stars (out of 5 stars) 95% praise rate
9.K9 Natural dog food
Like Pinnacle, K9 is also from New Zealand and was established in 2006. It is committed to providing dogs with the best natural diet. The product contains more than 90% meat and does not contain any additives, preservatives, and artificial colors. It is very close. Natural feeding method.
K9’s main dog food products are divided into five categories, frozen fresh food, freeze-dried food, canned dog food, reward snacks, and wonderful fresh packs. Among them, more people buy freeze-dried food. Here we recommend “K9 Natural Chicken Feast Freeze-dried Dog Food”. Dry food is dehydrated by the freeze-drying process, the taste and nutrition are preserved. The chicken feast formula has a particularly high protein content and low-fat content. Like the peak dog food, it is very suitable as a snack or as a staple food for hounds.
Feature
- The freeze drying process preserves food flavor and taste
- The meat content of the product reaches more than 90%, which can meet the energy consumption of most dogs
Advantage
K9 Natural Chicken Feast freeze-dried dog food can bring energy to the dog while not allowing the dog to consume too much fat.
Disadvantage
There are only 4 pounds, so many orders need to be placed for the food, and the fat content is high, which is more suitable as a reward for training.
The main nutritional parameters of K9 Natural Chicken Feast Freeze-Dried Dog Food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 48%
- Crude fat: 34%
- Crude fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 8%
The main ingredients of the ingredient list: chicken, eggs, flaxseed flakes, magnolia oil, brown kelp, New Zealand green mussels, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, potassium sulfate, dried kelp, apples, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 4986kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $122/lb
- Brand birthplace: New Zealand
- Amazon favorable rate: 4.4 stars (out of 5 stars) favorable rate 90%
- Chewy praise rate: 4.8 stars (out of 5 stars) praise rate 94%
10.Petcurean Go! Dog Food
Petcurean Go is a Canadian brand that mainly produces dry dog food and dry cat food. The formula and high-quality ingredients developed by a doctor of pet nutrition have made Go’s dog food recommended by WDJ many times. It is also very famous in China and is often regarded as The object being compared.
Many products of Petcurean Go do not contain grains, wheat, corn, or artificial additives. Among many pet dog products, I recommend “Seven Kinds of Meat Dog Food”. The name is just the name given by the domestic e-commerce platform. This formula The real name is “No-grained chicken + turkey + duck adult dog formula”. The recommended reason is relatively simple. This dog food has balanced nutrition. In addition to basic meat, there are also many fruits, vegetables, and trace elements, which can make your dog’s body more healthy. health.
Feature
- 100% of animal protein raw materials are fresh chicken, turkey, duck, trout, and other meats
- Add probiotics and prebiotic fiber to promote intestinal peristalsis
- 0 addition, no artificial additives, meat by-products, cereals, wheat, soybeans, etc.
Advantage
Rich in animal protein, it is very suitable for dogs who like to eat meat and can provide the energy they need.
Disadvantage
The protein content is too high, and it is not suitable for dogs without exercise, and it is easy to cause unnecessary protein loss (in the form of diarrhea, diarrhea, etc.).
Official website product link: https://www.petcurean.com/product/go-solutions-carnivore-grain-free-chicken-turkey-duck-adult-recipe-for-dogs/
The main nutritional parameters of Petcurean Go! Seven Kinds of Meat Dog Food are as follows:
- Crude protein: 34%
- Crude fat: 16%
- Crude fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients list Main ingredients: chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, boneless chicken, boneless turkey, boneless trout, potatoes, peas, cassava, lentils, chickpeas, chicken fat (preserved by mixing with tocopherols) ), duck meat powder, natural chicken flavor, whole dried egg, apple, herring meal, salmon oil, alfalfa, boneless duck, boneless salmon, sweet potato, flaxseed, potassium chloride, pumpkin, carrot, banana, etc.
- Energy per kilogram: 3951kcal/kg
- Price: Approximately HK $67/lb
- Brand birthplace: Canada
- Chewy praise rate: 4.6 stars (out of 5 stars) 95% praise rate
An introduction to the range of nutritional proportions of a balanced diet of dog food
- The best ratio of crude protein is 18-25%
- The best ratio of crude fat is 10-15%
- The best carbohydrate ratio is 30-60%
- The best proportion of moisture is 6-10%
The best ratio of crude protein is 18-25%
Crude protein is the general term for various nitrogen-containing substances. It is very important for living things. It is the main substance that constitutes important parts of muscles, blood vessels, antibodies, hair, etc. Not only meat can provide protein, but plants can also provide protein for the body. Why do some dog foods add beans and grains?
There is a difference between animal protein and plant protein. Animal protein can be directly converted into protein required by the body, called complete protein; while plant protein requires a variety of interactions to be converted into protein required by the body, so it is called incomplete protein.
The protein content is not as high as possible. Dry dog food with high content is used as a snack reward or as a staple food for dogs that consume a lot of money, such as hunting dogs. If indoor dogs do not exercise very much, use high-protein dog food. When used as a staple food, it may cause protein loss, manifesting as diarrhea, soft stools, and other symptoms.
The best ratio of crude fat is 10-15%
Fat can keep dogs warm and maintain normal body temperature, and the brain also needs fat very much. Fat is the guarantee for the normal work of brain nerve cells; in helping digestion, fat can also help digest some fat-soluble vitamins. This type of vitamin is only It is dissolved in fat; in addition, fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6 can make the skin of dogs more shiny and smooth, which are very good fats.
Crude fat, like crude protein, contains many types. For example, vegetable oil, fish oil, chicken fat, tallow, etc. can be collectively referred to as crude fat. Fats extracted from poultry such as cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, etc. are mostly saturated fatty acids. , And the fats extracted from fish and plants are mostly unsaturated fatty acids.
Fat intake should not be too much, it will lead to obesity, and obesity will easily increase blood lipids, burden the pancreas, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Of course, humans will also have the same risk if they consume too much fat.
The best proportion of carbohydrates is 30-60%
Carbohydrates have many functions. Crude fiber is a kind of carbohydrate. It is composed of macromolecular polysaccharides, which can help clean up the intestines and help eliminate waste. Carbohydrates are also the main source of energy for life activities, but if the intake is very large, The body is not exhausted, it will be converted into fat and stored in the body, causing obesity symptoms.
The 30-60% carbohydrate range is very wide. This is because the more the dog exercises, the more carbohydrates it needs, and the less exercise, the fewer carbohydrates it needs. Of course, this principle is also applicable to humans…
The best proportion of moisture (Moisture) is 6-10%
Dog food needs a certain amount of moisture to ensure that it will not become powder due to being too dry, and too much water will greatly reduce the shelf life of the dog food, and keeping the moisture at 6-10% is a very suitable turntable, which not only keeps the dog The shape of the food will not shorten the shelf life of dog food.
5 considerations for choosing dog food
- Does the dry food contain enough high-quality animal protein?
- Whether it contains meat by-products such as offal
- Whether there is fat or protein with unknown specific composition in the ingredient list
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives in dog food
- Pay attention to the dog’s physical condition and related needs
Does the dry food contain enough high-quality animal protein?
High-quality animal protein is very important to carnivores. Many cheap dog foods add a lot of grains to the dog food or add meat powder from unknown sources as protein. This may make the dog eat badly, so choose dog food At the time, we must see whether there is meat and the content of meat in the ingredient list.
Whether it contains meat by-products such as offal
Many by-products such as animal offal are added to many dog foods. The by-products are nutritious, but they may lose nutrients during storage and transportation, so be careful.
Whether there is fat or protein with unknown specific composition in the ingredient list
Fat or protein with unknown ingredients is usually referred to as “animal fat” in the ingredient list. Most of these names refer to inferior fats. Because the merchants will mark the name of the fat in the material table for publicity. Whether it is vegetable oil or animal fat, the price is higher than that of inferior fat. There is no need to write “animal fat” and cause unnecessary misunderstandings.
No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other additives in dog food
I believe everyone is aware of additives. Under the restriction of the law, additives will not threaten humans. However, for pets, some businesses still use additives such as flavors, pigments, and preservatives, which endanger the health of dogs.
Pay attention to the dog’s physical condition and related needs
When buying dog food, one more thing to pay attention to is the dog’s physical condition and the dog’s needs. For example, dogs with kidney failure should eat low-phosphorus prescription food; small dogs should choose dogs with small particles and good palatability. Dry food, to facilitate the swallowing of dry food, and large dogs such as hounds with a lot of exercises, need to feed sufficient energy dog food.